Observation of asphalt binder microstructure with ESEM

The observation of asphalt binder with the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) has shown the potential to observe asphalt binder microstructure and its evolution with binder aging. A procedure for the induction and identification of the microstructure in asphalt binder was established in this study and included sample preparation and observation parameters. A suitable heat‐sampling asphalt binder sample preparation method was determined for the test and several stainless steel and Teflon sample moulds developed, finding that stainless steel was the preferable material. The magnification and ESEM settings conducive to observing the 3D microstructure were determined through a number of observations to be 1000×, although other magnifications could be considered. Both straight run binder (PG 58‐28) and an air blown oxidised binder were analysed; their structures being compared for their relative size, abundance and other characteristics, showing a clear evolution in the fibril microstructure. The microstructure took longer to appear for the oxidised binder. It was confirmed that the fibril microstructure corresponded to actual characteristics in the asphalt binder. Additionally, a ‘bee’ micelle structure was found as a transitional structure in ESEM observation. The test methods in this study will be used for more comprehensive analysis of asphalt binder microstructure.

[1]  Abolghasem Shahbazi,et al.  Biobinder From Swine Manure: Sustainable Alternative for Asphalt Binder , 2011 .

[2]  Jean-Pascal Planche,et al.  Insights into binder chemistry, microstructure, properties relationships—usage in the real world , 2014 .

[3]  Emmanuel Chailleux,et al.  Laboratory investigation of bitumen based on round robin DSC and AFM tests , 2014 .

[4]  Y. Golubev,et al.  Observations and morphological analysis of supermolecular structure of natural bitumens by atomic force microscopy , 2008 .

[5]  Joseph I. Goldstein,et al.  Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis: A Text for Biologists, Materials Scientists, and Geologists , 1981 .

[6]  Tom Scarpas,et al.  On the existence of wax-induced phase separation in bitumen , 2010 .

[7]  Xiaohu Lu,et al.  EFFECT OF AGEING ON BITUMEN CHEMISTRY AND RHEOLOGY , 2002 .

[8]  H. Soenen,et al.  The effect of aromatic interactions on the elasticity of bituminous binders , 2014, Rheologica Acta.

[9]  M N Partl,et al.  Investigation of porous asphalt microstructure using optical and electron microscopy , 2010, Journal of microscopy.

[10]  Adherence Energy of Asphalt Thin Films Measured by Force-Displacement Atomic Force Microscopy , 2014 .

[11]  M. Malac,et al.  Radiation damage in the TEM and SEM. , 2004, Micron.

[12]  I. Gawel,et al.  Effect of origin and technology on the chemical composition and colloidal stability of bitumens , 2004 .

[13]  K. Pospisil,et al.  Observation of Bitumen Microstructure Changes using Scanning Electron Microscopy , 2008 .

[14]  R. Postle,et al.  Design and construction of an atmospheric or environmental SEM—2 , 1983 .

[15]  Susan L. Tighe,et al.  Atomic force microscopy to investigate asphalt binders: a state-of-the-art review , 2016 .

[17]  Pedro Partal,et al.  Effect of composition and processing on the linear viscoelasticity of synthetic binders , 2005 .

[18]  J. Donnet,et al.  Electron microscopic observations of the morphology of bitumens , 1977 .

[19]  L. Drzal,et al.  Network morphology of straight and polymer modified asphalt cements , 1997, Microscopy research and technique.

[20]  Ha H. Bui,et al.  Biochar Sequestration in Lime-Slag Treated Synthetic Soils: A Green Approach to Ground Improvement , 2014 .

[21]  Shaopeng Wu,et al.  Preparation and properties of montmorillonite modified asphalts , 2007 .

[22]  NJ Mills,et al.  Polymer Foams Handbook: Engineering and Biomechanics Applications and Design Guide , 2007 .

[23]  M. Gupta,et al.  Evaluation of TDI production waste as a modifier for bituminous waterproofing , 2004 .

[24]  S. H. Firoozifar,et al.  The effect of asphaltene on thermal properties of bitumen , 2011 .

[25]  D. Lesueur.  The colloidal structure of bitumen: consequences on the rheology and on the mechanisms of bitumen modification. , 2009, Advances in colloid and interface science.

[26]  Hasan Ozer,et al.  Chemical Characterization of Biobinder from Swine Manure: Sustainable Modifier for Asphalt Binder , 2011 .

[27]  Qian Qin,et al.  Morphology, thermal analysis and rheology of Sasobit modified warm mix asphalt binders , 2014 .

[28]  N. Thom,et al.  Mechanical, durability and microstructure properties of Cold Asphalt Emulsion Mixtures with different types of filler , 2016 .

[29]  Peter Mikhailenko,et al.  Valorization of by-products and products from agro-industry for the development of release and rejuvenating agents for bituminous materials , 2015 .

[30]  Y. Wong,et al.  Value-added utilisation of recycled concrete in hot-mix asphalt. , 2007, Waste management.

[31]  Frank L. Staplin,et al.  SEDIMENTARY ORGANIC MATTER, ORGANIC METAMORPHISM, AND OIL AND GAS OCCURRENCE , 1969 .

[32]  L. Loeber,et al.  New direct observations of asphalts and asphalt binders by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy , 1996 .

[33]  H. Zhang,et al.  Effect of aging on morphology of organo‐montmorillonite modified bitumen by atomic force microscopy , 2011, Journal of microscopy.

[34]  J. C. Petersen,et al.  A Review of the Fundamentals of Asphalt Oxidation: Chemical, Physicochemical, Physical Property, and Durability Relationships , 2009 .

[35]  Joshua Gaskin,et al.  On bitumen microstructure and the effects of crack healing , 2013 .

[36]  Roman Lackner,et al.  Microstructure-based identification of bitumen performance , 2006 .

[37]  Imad L. Al-Qadi,et al.  Validity of Asphalt Binder Film Thickness Concept in Hot-Mix Asphalt , 2008 .

[38]  G. D. Daniatos.  Design and construction of an atmospheric or environmental SEM (part 1) , 1981 .

[39]  A. Howie.  Radiation damage problems in electron microscopy , 1980 .

[40]  Marziale Milani,et al.  How to study biological samples by FIB / SEM ? , 2007 .

[41]  Taher Baghaee Moghaddam,et al.  The use of rejuvenating agents in production of recycled hot mix asphalt: A systematic review , 2016 .

[42]  Y. Richard Kim,et al.  SEM Analysis on Fracture and Healing of Sand‐Asphalt Mixtures , 1991 .